KIM’S FORTRESS: Inside the volcanic mountain which could be KEY to crushing North Korea

THE rugged peaks and winding tunnels of a deadly mountain in North Korea could hold the key to crushing Kim Jong-un’s sick regime and threats of World War 3.

Mount Paektu, believed to be the site of the deadliest volcano in history, is said to be the mythical birthplace of the Korean people.

But away from its showcase as the “sacred” origins of Kim II-sung’s Korean revolution - the 9,022-ft mountains also hold a deeper and darker meaning.

The volcano site, which straddles the border with China, is also where the crackpot dictator’s henchmen hide, while the long winding tunnels are used to shield Kim from would-be threats.

And as the dictator continues to flex his military muscle with his growing nuclear programme, sparking fears of all out World War 3 with the West, the world’s fifth biggest army is hidden and protected by the rocky hills of Mount Paektu.

With an estimated 8,000 to 15,000 underground facilities in North Korea, based in and around Mount Paektu, it could be one of the first targets for enemies.

In signs even its ally China is beginning to worry about Kim’s antics, or retaliation to them, it has closed its national park around the mountain.

The history of the mountain’s key role in North Korea becoming what it is today dates back to Kim Il-sung’s reign as he attempted to rebuild his country after the 1950-53 Korean War.